Wild Rice Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Moving forward, my blogs will be based on expiring inventory and the recipes that I find to use up those items. Wild rice and mushrooms were on the list this week. I chose to use a crockpot rather than my InstantPot because wild rice takes so long to cook at 6500 ft elevation. I ended up adding heavy whipping cream instead of the flour roux and some pepper. So, so good. :)

https://pinchofyum.com/instant-pot-wild-rice-soup

Honey Garlic Carrots (Baked)

I'd been feeling too busy and stressed lately, so I determined that I needed to get back to my happiest place on earth - the kitchen. Now, getting caught up on the past week's recipes to file and share. :)

I decided to make a baked Honey Garlic Lime Salmon with baked Honey Garlic Carrots and Baked Broccoli & Parmesan. I first baked the carrots on half a cookie sheet for 15 minutes then added the broccoli for another 10 minutes. Then I used a second cookie sheet (with parchment paper underneath) for the salmon. Additional recipes posted separately.

https://diethood.com/honey-garlic-butter-roasted-carrots-recipe/

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots

CARROT Recipe #3

[A couple of weeks ago, the hubby harvested carrots from our garden--a big basket full! I decided to explore the world of recipes that contain carrots. This is the first of many that I tried; very pleased with all of them. It didn't really feel like we had a daily ration of carrots because of the multiple ways they can be served and prepared.]

I love that this one is so simple and easy; and roasted brussels sprouts are AMAZING! Adding carrots just makes them that much better. We also had a lot of fresh garlic from the garden, so I boiled them, then roasted them separately before peeling and adding to this pan. What I love is the use of fresh lime and red pepper flakes as the seasoning for roasting. I'm pretty sure I could eat this combination every day. 

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/roasted-brussels-sprouts-and-carrots-recipe-

Carrot Zucchini Apple Bread

My dear neighbor and friend posted this recipe to my wall and I decided to make it for our women's group yesterday. I used zucchini from the garden and some apples and carrots I had in the fridge. I ended up adding orange extract to the cream cheese frosting and sprinkled it with pecans. This was probably one of the best sweet breads I've ever made and eaten. Needless to say, it was a big hit with the group. Thankfully, this recipe made 2 loaves so the hubby had a chance to eat some too :)

http://www.momontimeout.com/2013/07/carrot-zucchini-apple-bread-recipe/

Gumbo

Every once in a while I get a craving for New Orleans style food. The hubby had added to the freezer Andouille sausage and the store was having a great sale on shrimp so I decided it was time for a nice big pot of gumbo. I will say this is the best version I have ever tried, the hubby seconded that. I cooked the bacon and sausage in the bottom of the pot first then started adding the other ingredients. I also like to add rice to my gumbo. Since I only had a couple of hours to get it simmering and served, I used the rice cooker then added the cooked rice to the pot. The hubby has a hard time with green peppers so I used my mini food processor to chop it up fine--no complaints! I used Sriracha for the hot sauce and, although I think there is a misprint regarding the gumbo file powder, I added 4 teaspoons, but 3 might have been a little better. I did add 6 cups of water rather than 3 since I added rice. I also added carrots per the hubby's request. I recommend taste testing and add salt in moderation. This one is definitely a keeper. :)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/216888/good-new-orleans-creole-gumbo/

Carolina Coleslaw

The hubby grew up in Virginia and has always preferred the vinegar versions of BBQ. I had some leftover cabbage from my recent (over) purchase--I tend to go overboard when I see a sale. :) I came across this recipe. I didn't stay 100% true to the ingredients; per the hubby, it's okay to add mayo, so I did. I also didn't use green pepper; used 1/2 red and 1/2 green cabbage; used chopped red onion; and always use apple cider vinegar. This is probably one of the best coleslaws I've tasted in a long time. #winner

https://www.thespruce.com/carolina-slaw-3053928

Christmas Menu 2016

I scaled down my holiday dinner this year--just a little bit since it was just the hubby and I. However, everything on this list (except for the mashed potatoes and ham gravy) was a new experience for me. I finally found a recipe for brussel sprouts that tastes amazing--of course bacon makes everything taste better; honey mustard ham glaze; and a to-die-for German Chocolate Cake. It was a very yummy Christmas.

http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/honey-mustard-glazed-ham-13715

http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2006/03/roasted-carrots-and-mushrooms-with.html

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/249972/sauteed-brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-onions/

Red mashed potatoes with ham gravy (with cornstarch)

--I used milk and ranch dressing, salt and pepper for the potatoes

I actually put this in a 13x9 pan. 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/german-chocolate-cake

Thanksgiving Menu 2016

Thanksgiving morning started with welcoming 2 rescue donkeys to our 4 legged family. Then our meal was planned and enjoyed by the members of Taste of Home; my selections were based on the requests of the boys. I really like their recipe box and shopping list feature. It makes it easy to get what you need from the grocery store and pull up all the recipes at once. The only exception were the 2 pies from my "Baking at High Altitude" cookbook, Noble Pig's Dill Pickle Dip and Rachael Ray's White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. As have many in the past, this was a truly blessed year.

Gouda Melt with Baguette Slices

Dill Pickle Dip

Thyme Roasted Turkey

Grandma's Turkey Gravy

Wild Rice Stuffing

Rachael Ray's White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Oven Roasted Carrots

Green Beans with Bacon

Peas-a-la-Francaise

Texas Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Calico Beans

Contest Winning Fresh Strawberry Pie

Honey Pecan Pie

Cranberry Pie (from Baking at High Altitude)

Blueberry Pie (from Baking at High Altitude)